COUNCILLORS are being asked to back controversial plans which could lead to road charging in Newcastle.

A planning blueprint for the development of the city up to 2021 makes it clear that charging is on the agenda to help reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

The document, called the Local Development Framework, states that priorities will include “considering the introduction of road user charging to manage congestion and promote sustainable transport modes”.

Conservatives have challenged the council’s Liberal Democrat leaders to spell out exactly what their plans are for Newcastle.

The council’s Lib Dem leader, Coun John Shipley, has already ruled out London-style congestion charging to enter the city centre but says the Government is considering plans to charge drivers to use all roads, from country lanes to motorways, which they must discuss.

Newcastle Conservative chairman, Jason Smith, said: “It may be over-zealous council officials or it may be the latest example of the Lib Dems saying one thing and doing another but it is for civic leaders to be clear about council policy.”

The document will be discussed at tonight’s council meeting when councillors will be asked to support the draft core strategy, including the consideration of road user charging.

Mr Smith said: “Without an explicit statement from John Shipley, the suspicion that the Lib Dems are working behind the scenes to develop a road charging scheme will persist.”

Coun Shipley said: “We have ruled out London-style congestion charging. That implies a ring around Newcastle and that entering that ring would trigger a charge.

“We are saying that would be unacceptable because it would force developers to look outside the congestion charge ring.

“We want a vibrant city centre and to achieve that we must enable vehicles to move around, not just cars but vans and delivery lorries. Newcastle does not have the same congestion as London which is a massive city with enormous traffic problems.

“We need to draw the distinction between congestion charging and road user charging.”

A study called People in Motion by the five Tyne & Wear local authorities, led by Newcastle and funded by the Government, into ways of cutting congestion, including charges, is expected to produce its report soon.

Coun Shipley said they are required to consider road user charging and the council will do that.